Catherine Ashton Keynote Speaker

Baroness Catherine Ashton is a distinguished figure in European politics and diplomacy.  She is the author of ‘And Then What?: Despatches From the Heart of 21st-Century Diplomacy, From Kosovo to Kiev‘ (2023)- a book that chronicles her extensive experience as a high level diplomacy and policy maker. She takes readers behind the scenes to show what worked and what didn’t, and how it felt to be in ‘the room where it happened’. She offers essential insight into how modern diplomacy works, examining the approaches needed to find one’s way through the many challenges we face globally.

She is the former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the inaugural Vice President of The European Commission (2009-14), her influence and expertise stretch far and wide. An authoritative speaker, Baroness Ashton delves deep into the intricacies of international relations, shedding light on the machinations behind the Treaty of Lisbon, EU foreign policy, and Brexit negotiations. She provides audiences with an unparalleled understanding of the European Union’s trajectory and Britain’s place.

Serving as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council in Gordon Brown’s cabinet in 2007, she was instrumental in ensuring the passage of the Treaty of Lisbon through the UK parliament. This accomplishment paved the way for her tenure as the British European Commissioner and subsequently as the Commissioner for Trade for the European Commission in 2008. Under her leadership, she forged a groundbreaking trade agreement with South Korea, resolved numerous significant trade disputes, and solidified the EU’s economic ties with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.

Her tenure as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, commencing in late 2009, was marked by pivotal negotiations that changed the face of international politics. With a finesse that few possess, she mediated the normalization of ties between Serbia and Kosovo in 2013. She played a key role in the Geneva Interim Agreement on the Iranian Nuclear Program.

In recognition of her experience and contributions, she was made a Life Peer in the House of Lords in 1999. Her political journey began with an appointment as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Education and Skills in 2001, followed by a position in the Ministry of Justice in 2004. By May 2006, she was named a Privy Councillor, and in June 2007, she ascended to the position of Leader of the House of Lords.

Further cementing her legacy in academia, in January 2017, Baroness Ashton became the first female chancellor at the University of Warwick. 

A role model for women in politics and a testament to the power of diplomacy and negotiation, Baroness Ashton’s speaking engagements provide not only a deep dive into the political landscape but also strategies for perseverance, negotiation, and leadership that attendees can apply to their professional lives. Whether exploring Brexit, discussing the future of the EU, or sharing tales from her illustrious career, Baroness Ashton leaves audiences enlightened, inspired, and ready to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

A consummate diplomat and seasoned politician, she possesses a rare ability to translate the nuances of international relations into engaging narratives. Her speaking engagements are a masterclass in blending intricate policy details with riveting storytelling. Drawing from her rich experiences in the heart of European diplomacy, she captivates audiences, elucidating complex topics with clarity and passion. Whether addressing intimate gatherings or grand auditoriums, her depth of knowledge and engaging style position her as one of the most formidable and insightful speakers of our time.